Sunday, December 24, 2006

Mushroom in the acandon Jungle.Ganoderma sp Of central interest with respect to chemical properties of mushrooms is the fact that many species produce secondary metabolites that render them toxic, mind-altering, or evenbioluminescent.

Toxicity likely plays a role in protecting the function of the basidiocarp: the mycelium has expended considerable energy and protoplasmic material to develop a structure to efficiently distribute its spores. One defense against consumption and premature destruction is the evolution of chemicals that render the mushroom inedible, either causing the consumer to regurgitate (see emetics) the meal or avoid consumption altogether (see Mushroom poisoning).

Psilocybin mushrooms possess psychedelic properties. They are commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", and are available in smart shops in many parts of the world (see Psychedelic mushroom). A number of other mushrooms are eatenfor their psychoactive effects, such as fly agaric, which is used for shamanic purposes by tribes in northeast Siberia.

Currently, many species of mushrooms and fungi utilized as folk medicines for thousands of years are under intense study by ethnobotanists and medical researchers. Maitake, shiitake, and reishi are prominent among those being researched for their potential anti-cancer, anti-viral, and/or immunity-enhancement properties.

Laetiporus sulphureusPsilocybin, originally an extract of certain psychedelic mushrooms, is being studied for its ability to help people suffering from mental disease, such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Minute amounts have been reported to stop cluster and migraine headaches. It has also been used in the west to potentiate religiousexperience.Because of their psychoactive properties, some mushrooms have played a role innative medicine, where they have been used to effect mental and physical healing, and to facilitate visionary states. One such ritual is the Velada ceremony. A representative figure of traditional mushroom use is the shaman, curandera (priest-healer), Maria Sabina.

Some mushrooms have been used as fire starters (known as tinder fungi).